Research assistant - Magnetic Nanostructures Group

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Research assistant

Research area or group: Magnetic Nanostructures Group

Description of Group: The ICN2 Magnetic Nanostructures Group aims to understand and improve the functional properties of diverse types of magnetic and magnetophotonic nanostructures (nanoparticles and thin films). The group combines lithography and chemical synthesis with structural, morphological, optical, colloidal and magnetic characterisation to investigate diverse basic aspects of exchange-coupled magnetic and magnetophotonic nanostructures. The final goal is the application of these nanostructures for advanced and externally controlled nanotherapies, contrast agents, environmental remediation and sensors. The group also pushes at the limits of microscopy, synchrotron and neutron techniques to develop novel approaches to studying nanoscale objects.

Description of Project: This project aims to develop a versatile, wireless and minimally invasive approach to locally amplify therapeutic effects across cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, offering a new paradigm in precision medicine. This approach is based on the deisgn of novel wirelessly controlled micro/nano-structures that combine magnetic, optical, electric, and mechanical actuation to enhance therapeutic precision and minimize side effects.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The researcher will be mainly involved in the stages dedicates to characterize in vivo and in vitro the novel micro/nano structructures, from the preparation of the drug-loaded polymeric nanocapsules with the magnetic functionality to their final applicability at in vitro level. The functions of the job include:

1)Preparation of biodegradable magneto-optic nanocapsules with docetaxel,

2) Structural, magnetic and optical characterization of the nanocapsules

3) Isolation, culture, and loading monocytes with nanocapsules.

4) Evaluate viability and functionality after loading,

5) Design and execution of in vivo therapeutic assays,

6) Perform histological and molecular analysis of treated tissues.

7) Safety and efficacy evaluation

Requirements:

·            Education:  MsC/BsC degree in Nanoscience /Nanotechnology

·            Knowledge: Synthesis of nanoparticles, nanofabrication tools, deal with cell cultures

·            Professional Experience: Synthesis of inorganic and organic nanoparticles, use of nanofabrication techniques (lithography and CVD), encapsulation of drugs, experience with cell cultures for in vitro characterization, experience in the use of biological characterization tools

·            Personal Competences: We are looking for a highly motivated person, enthusiastic, responsible and with team-working capacity

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: 3 months

• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others.)
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment

Estimated Incorporation date: August 2025

This contract is part of the research project PID2022-138588OB-C32 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, UE

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

Deadline for applications: 01/07/2025

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.